Bears defensive tackle Tommie Harris was a surprise inactive for the team’s Week Three win over Green Bay. The Bears cited Harris’ performance as the primary reason for his deactivation. Coach Lovie Smith insisted that Harris isn’t in the “doghouse,” and the former Pro Bowler is not injured.
Harris is expected to rejoin the Bears’ 45-man roster on Sunday, according to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune. Biggs, however, predicts that Harris will not start the game. Matt Toeaina is expected to get the nod at “three-technique” tackle, adjacent to Anthony Adams.
Toeaina failed to register a sack of Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers last Monday night, but helped Chicago play stifling run defense. Bears defenders were consistently in the Green Bay backfield as Packers running backs generated just 43 yards on 13 carries.
If Harris is inactive but not lined up with the first-team defense Sunday, it would be confirmation that he’s permanently lost his starting job.
It would also confirm that Bears G.M. Jerry Angelo made a big mistake when he signed off on this.